Shloka 5.18.28

अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः — Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove

Devanagari script

क्षीबो विचित्राभरणः शङ्कुकर्णो महाबलः।तेन विश्रवसः पुत्रः स दृष्टो राक्षसाधिपः।।5.18.28।।वृतः परमनारीभिस्ताराभिरिव चन्द्रमाः।तं ददर्श महातेजास्तेजोवन्तं महाकपिः।।5.18.29।।

Transliteration

tābhiḥ parivṛto rājā surūpābhir mahāyaśāḥ |

tan mṛgadvijasaṅghuṣṭaṃ praviṣṭaḥ pramadāvanam || 5.18.27 ||

Translation

Surrounded by those charming women, the famed king entered that women’s grove, resonant with the calls of beasts and birds.

Context

The brilliant vanara looked at the son of Visravas (Ravana), the demon king adorned with wonderful ornaments. He had long tapering ears. He was intoxicated with drink. Encircled by damsels, he was looking like the Moon surrounded by stars.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• women’s grove (pramadāvana)
• beasts (mṛga)
• birds (dvija)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The setting contrasts natural harmony with moral disorder: Dharma teaches that true kingship is not pleasure-gardens and entourage, but protection and justice.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, accompanied by beautiful women, proceeds into the pleasure-grove within the palace grounds.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse primarily builds atmosphere; implicitly it sets up Hanumān’s steadiness against a backdrop of indulgence.